Medical or supernatural miracle? Joy over Derick Hougaard news

Afrikaans singer Nadine has shared a miraculous health update about former Springbok player Derick Hougaard, who has been in a coma for over a week. And fans of the retired rugby player are convinced that it is nothing short of answered prayer.

The 40-year-old star sportsman – who contracted respiratory pneumonia and a collapsed lung – has opened his eyes during a visit from loved ones.

Derick was admitted into the ICU of Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria after he was found unresponsive.

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DERICK HOUGAARD: MIRACULOUS HEALTH UPDATE

In a Facebook post on Thursday afternoon, Nadine shared: “With incredible gratitude, we can share with you: Derick has opened his eyes!
“His infection count has decreased, and he is currently receiving new antibiotics. The carbon dioxide in his blood has decreased quite a bit, and his oxygen intake is getting better every day!”

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She continued: “He’s responding to questions, and his brain function currently looks good! There are other complications for which he is still receiving treatment, and the sedation has been reduced.

“He can’t talk with the tubes in his throat, he’s in pain, and he’s extremely tired, but we are beyond thankful and excited that he opened his eyes!”

Nadine – who, along with Derick’s sister and mother, are permitted to visit him – thanked her followers for their prayers.

She added: “We continue to pray for his lungs to heal fully!”.

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FANS THANK GOD FOR ‘ANSWERED PRAYER’

In the comments section, followers were full of gratitude for what they believe are “answered prayers”.

Bernedine Koch: “Thank you Jesus, best news”

Cynthia van Wyk: “The Lord is Great and Good. He is our Great Healer. We continue to pray for complete healing”

Amanda Conlon: “God is so so Good! He is always faithful. We as humans must just use patience, look up, have faith and stay on our knees”

WHY IS HE IN A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL?

While state hospitals are the norm for many South Africans, many social media users questioned by the prominent public figure did not seek private medical care.

Nadine explained in a previous Facebook post: “For those asking why Derick is at Steve Biko Academic Hospital: It was the (amazing) ambulance staff who suggested it when we urgently needed to decide where to go, and I trust their insight in such a situation more than my own. They said that he had to go directly into the intensive care unit (ICU) and would have to stay indefinitely.

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She continued: “I am THANKFUL Derick was admitted there because I can attest that the doctors and nurses are fantastic in this department. I believe Derick gets the best treatment and care there!

“In addition, he is too critical to be moved at all, and therefore no scans are currently being done, except for X-rays of his lungs. He is stable, but his lungs are extremely ill, so we are constantly praying for healing, for oxygen and less carbon dioxide in his body.

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